Eye contact is very cultural. In many cultures, people maintain eye contact much longer than most Americans do. Anonymous is right that in many Asian cultures, people don't maintain eye contact very long. These things are so deeply embedded in people that it's very hard to change. But you CAN work on it- try just maintaining eye contact just a little bit longer than is comfortable for you. Then when that become comfortable, stretch it a little farther. But take your cues from the person you're talking to. If you maintain eye contact too long with most Americans, it makes them uncomfortable.